Raced the International distance tri at Pleasant Prairie, Wi. on Sunday.
Perfect weather for racing.
I am most happy with my swim. It was not fast, but I was finally able to control my emotions and race start adrenaline. I kept the mantra of "Steady and Controlled" in my head and was able to go out and get on pace without going almost immediately into O2 debt. And then struggling to regain control and composure for the rest of the swim. Even getting clubbed in the head twice didn't throw me like it has in the past. Felt good coming out of the water. Knowing I could have gone harder, but feeling strong as opposed to never getting on pace and breathing properly. So this might explain the fast transition and great bike leg. It was a rolling course, and I had the fastest bike split in my age group and was in the top 10 overall (23.6 mph). Then did a strong steady run, was able to hold off a couple of late challenges. Ended up with a 5'th place in my AG. Knock a couple minutes off the swim and I'll be in good shape. Happy overall with the day.

And sporting the trifuel shirt helped me cut off 16:38 from my time on this course last year. The previous race that I wore my trifule shirt I also cut off about 17 minutes. Guess it is the trifuel gear!

Boy is the season going fast, just one more 1/2 IM and then a sprint to finish off the tri-season. Then on to my first marathon two weeks later.